Director Of Program Operations

EEO Statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to fill the role of Director of Program Operations. This is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of IHS programs and initiatives, including managing the 14-person Program Operations team. The Director of Program Operations will collaborate closely with other team members and stakeholders to ensure the efficient and effective execution of program activities instill a culture of continuous learning, and drive the overall success of the organization's mission.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Program Operations Planning and Strategy:

• Contribute to strategic planning by providing input on budget, capacity, and staffing for the Program Operations team in alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
• Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams to address challenges, enhance program effectiveness, and achieve shared objectives.
• Conduct regular assessments of program operations effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement.

Team Management and Leadership:

• Promote a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence within the Program Operations team.
• Supervise and provide guidance to funding operations and event operations team leads, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment where experimentation and continuous improvement are embraced.
• Set performance goals, conduct performance evaluations, and provide professional development opportunities for Program Operations staff.

Operational Efficiency:

• Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of program activities by establishing and maintaining effective processes and systems.
• Develop and monitor program budgets, ensuring financial resources are allocated appropriately and in accordance with organizational guidelines.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to the principles of classical liberalism and individual liberty.
• A minimum of 4 years of management experience, preferably in an operations setting.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to critically evaluate and prioritize information through a data-driven approach with experience setting and tracking KPIs within a CRM system (Salesforce experience highly preferred).
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and change management.

To apply, qualified candidates must submit the following application materials (through additional documents):

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your interest in this position, and a compelling case about why the mission of IHS resonates with you.

About the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University:

The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) supports and partners with university professors working within the classical liberal intellectual tradition. Our vision is that higher education becomes a place where the open exchange of ideas flourishes, and where ideas within the classical liberal tradition are regularly taught, discussed, challenged, and developed so that they inform scholarly and public discourse on the key challenges facing a free society.

Each year, IHS provides thousands of aspiring and established professors graduate student fellowships, career development support, research funding, and support for on-campus student programs. Most importantly, through its scholarly convenings IHS connects these scholars to one another to form a diverse and growing community of thought leaders advancing ideas essential to the good society—a pluralistic and tolerant society in which individuals and communities flourish in a context of openness, dignity, equality, and freedom.

Benefits:

We have a flexible, professional, open office environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship and provides substantial opportunity for professional growth. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. IHS provides exceptional benefits to all employees, including health and dental insurance coverage (which includes paying 100% of the health and dental insurance premium for individuals), health savings accounts, long-term disability and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement savings program, a parking permit and 12 free tuition credit hours annually at George Mason University.